Tom Sawyer

I originally posted this as a response to another post, but it was buried on page 5 and I wanted to start a new topic so I could see if anyone could give me an answer. Basically, my question is, other than that it's the truth, what does Atheism have to offer people who believe in God?

Belief in God brings order to their universe and a purpose to their lives. It gives them hope that there is something better out there and the things that they do actually have a meaning in the larger scheme of things. When tragedy happens, it was for a reason; when a loved one dies, they've gone to a better place and they will be seen again.

When you tell them that God's a fairy-tale, you're telling them to believe that the universe is a cold, impersonal place that doesn't care about them. There's nothing better out there and there's no larger scheme of things to bring meaning ot their lives. When a tragedy happens, it's because bad things happen for no reason; when a loved one dies, they're gone forever, they'll never be seen again and the same will happen to you one day.

Not believing in God would take away all the hope and meaning from their lives and replace it with nothing. That's why logical arguments so rarely work - they don't care about the logic, they care about what gives them hope and a purpose. The fact that God isn't real is irrelevant; faith in Him brings happiness to them and that's all that really counts.

So pointing out logical inconsistencies in the Bible and reasons that God can't be real is just banging your head against a brick wall. So what does Atheism have to offer Theists? The fact that it's true isn't a selling point. Does anyone have something better to give them?

Goliath

Atheism is a lack of belief.

It is not a moral system.

It is not a package of glittering prizes.

It is not a belief system.

It is not a worldview.

It is not a sack of moldy bagels.

It is simply a *lack of belief*.

As a lack of belief, it offers nothing by itself.

Sincerely,

Goliath

Tom Sawyer

Goliath,

That's my point. It doesn't offer anything so all the clever arguments that people on this board put up to prove He's not real are about as useful to the debate as a priest preaching to his congregation about how He does exist.

So perhaps my question should be clarified. Basically, what I want to know is what does Atheism have to offer besides the truth? How does it make people's lives better to not believe in God than to believe in Him? What incentive is there for someone who believes to stop believing, other than the fact that he believes in something that isn't there?

I hope that makes more sense than my original question.

Ryanfire

Atheism offers help from those infected with the god germ.

Atheism offers truth rather than faith.

Ignorance is bliss.
Religion is ignorant.

You'll figure it out.

sandlewood

I don’t think you can, or should, offer anything but the truth. It is up to the person how they order their priorities, and if they don’t put truth first then I don’t think there is any more you can do.

Shadowy Man

I don't think there is anything "better" about not believing in God than believing. There isn't anything intrinsically "wrong" with believing in God. As you said, a belief in a supernatural entity who oversees our actions and guides our lives can be very comforting to those who are not sure how to act, or how to mourn.

However, what I do believe is wrong is to not even question why one believes what one believes. Not try to form a cohesive, sensible world-view. Accepting on "faith" that someone else's world-view is the "correct" one and that your life would be better to follow it.

Every person should discover his or her own meaning for themself. Atheism is not in a position to "offer" anything. People can still find meaning in the world and in their lives without having to believe that their meaning has been created for them by a supernatural entity.

I guess if I were to say that atheism offers anything, it offers freedom. Freedom to discover for oneself their own meaning and place in this wondrous universe.

Anunnaki

I don`t necessarily believe that the universe is a cold impersonal place with no big sky daddy out there that cares for us. Maybe there is a creator and maybe there isn`t. Nobody knows although many reloigious people think they have all the answers from an ancient book written by people who didn`t even know half of what we know today about the world.

Should we tell people the truth about their little book of answers without offering anything to replace it? Maybe not. This is something I think about a lot in regards to my own family who think they are going to a magical place after they die.
I remember telling my father (a non praticing Catholic) what I thought about Jesus and the bible etc and I feel like I might of hurt him by letting the air out of his life long beliefs. I had nothing to replace his great meeting with dead family members and Jesus.

I don`t think that I`d ever say anything at all to anyone about their beliefs if their beliefs were not so damn stupid. I mean how can I keep my mouth shut when confronted with so much dumb shit about Jesus,angels and invisible spirit crap?
The problem is that when I open my mouth to tell my aunt that angels didn`t help her find her car keys the whole thing ends up snowballing until I`m practically breaking out the slide projector and giving her an impromptu lesson on the ancient mid East.

WJ

"So what does Atheism have to offer Theists? The fact that it's true isn't a selling point."

The only thing that reltes to atheism as being 'true' is that 'truth is subjectivity'.

"Does anyone have something better to give them?'

I've asked this same question but have not even had a reply. Good question!

Walrus

Viti

Why does atheism need to offer anything to theists?

How many atheists actually go out and actively try to deconvert people? The information on the biblical errors, etc. was helpful when I had questions...but I looked for and found the information, nobody came cramming it down my throat telling me to stop believing.

Koyaanisqatsi

I do .